mmosley899

@BlueSki‌ we used Matt's Reflex boot on the OB4 system, so there was no adjustment needed from the position of the boot that he was accustomed to...

@maddog the good news is that the OB4 hole pattern works perfectly with the HO EXO hole pattern! Also my son is the same size as yours, and he jumps and slaloms with his OB4 System bindings. But you would have to trim off the extra plastic to make the boot bottom flat, so you could attach it to the boot plate. As @webbdawg99‌ said, send the boots to me...

@Than_Bogan I put my business partners, Eric and Marianne, in the OB4 system boots from rubber at the beginning of the season. They had no problems getting used to the boots within a few sets.

@Chef23 your boots will fit on the OB4 release system. Check us out at Nationals.

@bbruzzese‌ my kids started using the old OB4 type system over 15 years ago with no ankle or knee injuries since. They still compete using the OB4 system for all three events. As they grow, the only change to the system is new boots, since the boot plate is the same size for all, and then you adjust the spring tension for weight and height changes. The same boots can be used for different events. Also the same ski can be used by different kids with different boot sizes or foot forward, because the boot plates are all the same. Your Reflex boot will also fit on the OB4 boot plate.

I use @eleeski‌ 's method to install the extra inserts needed for my OB4 System binding plate.

Yes, my kids used the system from the time they started competing. And you can use any skate boot that screws onto the skate wheel frame. However some modifications may be needed to make the boot sit flat on the boot plate.

@Than_Bogan‌ , come to Whitestone and we will get you on a set to try out... We have not established a trial program at this point, but we will discuss it at the next BOD meeting. We will be at numerous water ski events this summer, including Nationals.

@Zman that liner was the closest one to the work bench... I have many different ones lying around... I figured someone would notice that!

https://facebook.com/ob4systems?ref=hl

Ok, here's the first look. More photos and mounting instructions on the website and facebook now...

@elr I have size 13 boots available in the boots we are offering, and they will fit the system.

Okay guys, I have not tried this out yet, but I have a Radar boot on the way. I see no reason why it can't be mounted on the OB4 boot plate, it only takes two screws and some hardware. However, this would be an experiment at this point and is only a suggestion. I would replace the laces with non stretchy ones and pull tight. You do not want to be able to come out of the boot, since the whole thing will sink if the OB4 release lets go also. It may require the addition of an arch strap. If so, I will include that process in the mounting instructions yet to be produced. Everybody talks highly of the Radar boots, so it will be great if they are an option. OB4 is not building boots, only release systems. So we are looking for a variety of boots that will fit the system and fulfill everyone's needs and preferences. If you already have Reflex, FM, or Power Shell boots, they will fit with only a little modification. So, try the OB4 system with your boots first.

Well, there you go... guess I wasn't standing on the front of my ski, since I use double boots... But Thanks @MattP! That is exactly how it works, high school physics...

@MattP I designed the plate to work with the cant built into skate boots, so the heel sits up from level compared to the toe in a natural position. Ie, the heel of your shoe is raised from the toe...

@bishop8950 you cannot release the boot plate standing on the dock with the release tension properly set to your weight, height and skiing level. This is because the pressure required to release from the rear is based on the rotational torque of your body weight at your height against the release spring. Your body weight is moving forward at 34+mph(inertia), on a lever(your legs), when the ski suddenly stops, creating a momentarly huge pressure on the spring. It releases! @horton I am sure evenually we will see @mattp demonstrate it on video, sooner than later... @Deanoski on the OB4 boot plate, the heel sits 1/8" higher than the toe, which is common to most skate boots.

@MattP bring your skis, your boot, and your wallet to Whitestone and we will get you all set up! Let me know when...

Thanks guys! I am glad you like the system. @MattP no problem putting your current boot on the OB4 boot plate, which will then fit on a OB4 mounting plate on your slalom and another one on your trick. Then you should see no change in the performance characteristics on your slalom, since you are used to that boot. @Deanoski you still need some play in the release lever(handle) which will allow the forward pressure needed to adjust for the different rocker and flex of each ski.

@Texas6 the release tension is adjustable, there is a video showing how. The tension was set very low for the video so that I would not turn the table over.

@KM no, they do not match in size or height off the ski surface. @SkiJay the release lever does make it very easy to get the boot plate on and off the ski. No more balancing on the ski while you put your boots on.

@Zman will simulated on dry land do? or are you volunteering to go OTF?

OB4 Videos posted... release demo jumper

Guys I like the discussion, and the ideas! Over time I can improve the design with your input. But changes do take time and R&D and money. As pointed out by @webbdawg99 and @OB, this system is something I have been using for years and it was through their encouragement, and others, that we decided to form OB4 to produce a release system for water skiing. When you get the chance please look the system over in person. In the meantime, I am trying to get some video put together to show you better how it works. Regardless, this system will not suit everyone... This release system is built specifically for water skiing, and we are not using someone else's parts that are mass produced. That does make it more expensive! If I can find a way to sell it cheaper, I will. The guys that have had to sit out a season from an injury probably look at costs differently. Also, OB4 is building a release system and not ski boots. The inexpensive boots shown are simply an option. If you already have boots, I suggest you use them as you will already be comfortable with their feel. For the absolute best boots, contact @Brewski! Most water ski boots available originate as skate boots and there are many sources for those. Right now I am focusing on producing an outstanding release system.

@MAD11 we are using 3M auto trim tape to hold down the lever area on some of our test skis. That seems to be working just fine. The mounting plate is held securely in place by the standard insert screws.

@JJVDMZN there are two separate plates involved, they each releases when the tension set point is exceeded...